Looking Back on 2020 and Forward to 2021 with Federal Employee Associations
Federal employees, like the rest of the country, have had a challenging year. The final FEDtalk episode of 2020 reviewed the year through the lens of some federal employee associations. Host Tony Verngetti discussed how COVID-19 changed the landscape for federal employee associations and what the future holds in 2021.
4 Tips for Avoiding Burnout in 2021
As we kick off 2021, here are some ways to manage stress and prioritize well-being going into the new year. Learn how to manage stress and cope with anxiety to put your best foot forward!
Five Reasons to Talk with a Financial Planner
Financial planning isn’t just for the super wealthy. Anyone can benefit from the guidance of a credentialed, experienced, and objective planner. Here are five situations that make you a good candidate for a conversation.
Be Fiscally Responsible – Pay Feds a Market Wage to End Expensive Turnover
The Federal Managers Association believes in good government and fiscal responsibility. Unfortunately, the way federal workers are currently paid is the opposite of fiscally responsible.
Religious Freedom Restoration Act Exposes Officials to Personal Liability, Supreme Court Rules
Government officials may be sued in their personal capacity for alleged violations of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA), the Supreme Court held in the case of Tanzin v. Tanvir, issued at the end of last year. While Tanzin occurred in a law enforcement context, some legal commentators believe the Court’s decision may have a “chilling effect” on officials who enforce nondiscrimination laws.
Congress Passes FY 2021 Government Funding, Coronavirus Relief Legislation
After several continuing resolutions to buy lawmakers additional negotiating time, Congress has passed a $2.3 trillion government funding and coronavirus relief package. As long as President Trump signs the measure by December 28, the federal government will not shut down this year. The package allows for a 1 percent pay raise for civilian federal employees and includes $900 million in coronavirus relief, but the bill has been criticized for failing to take action on controversial federal workforce policies implemented by the Trump administration.
FEEA’s Tutoring Program
Are you a federal employee with a child in grades K-12, who needs some extra academic support right now? If so, you are not alone. We know the added stress of the pandemic and disruptions to the traditional school experience are affecting many families. That’s why FEEA has developed a new program for your children to access free, online academic tutoring for most K-12 subjects.
Bill to Stop Doxing of Government Workers Introduced in Senate
The Public Servant Protection Act is a bill designed to protect government workers, officials, and appointees from being targeted at their homes. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), along with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and five Republican colleagues, introduced the legislative proposal earlier this month.
2020 NASA Administrator’s Agency Honor Award Ceremony
Last week, NASA honored several employees and teams for their work during 2020 to advance exploration and discovery.
Russian Government Hackers Likely Behind Cyber Breach of U.S. Government Agencies
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an emergency directive on the evening of December 13, 2020 in response to a massive data breach due to a critical software vulnerability that impacted several federal agencies.
Congress Scrambles to Fund Government as Deadline Looms
With a government shutdown looming at the end of this week, lawmakers are scrambling to fund the government and approve emergency COVID-19 aid. The omnibus government funding bill is expected to also serve as the vehicle for two COVID-19 relief packages.
2021 NDAA Passes Congress with Enough Support for Veto Override
The U.S. Senate passed the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an all-encompassing piece of legislation that introduces provisions related to many agencies and federal employees, with an 84-13 majority. This margin means that even if President Trump vetoes the bill, as he has threatened, there is enough support in Congress to override the veto.
Get Your New Year's Resolutions to Stick
Do you struggle to keep your New Year’s Resolutions? Learn how to make strong resolutions for 2021 and stick with them through the end of the year!
FEHB Plans with Medicare Reimbursement
With only a few days left of Open Season, you still have a chance to reduce your health insurance costs. Let the federal benefits experts at NARFE help you save money!
Congress Finalizes NDAA, Including Federal Leave Provisions
Congress finalized its conference report on the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on December 3, preparing the expansive piece of legislation with provisions related to many agencies and federal employees for a final vote.
Federal Worker Pay Gap Narrowing, Still Disproportionally Impacts Certain Groups of Women
The overall pay gap between men and women in the federal workforce has “narrowed considerably” from 19 cents on the dollar in 1999 to 7 cents in 2017, according to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report analyzing Office of Personnel Management (OPM) data.
Congressional Leaders Agree to Vote on One-Week Stopgap Bill
Congressional leaders are trying to give their negotiators more time to reach an agreement on a COVID-19 relief package and the $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill to which pandemic relief would be attached.
THE MINDSET OF A WINNER | Kobe Bryant Champions Advice
Learn about a “winning mindset” with the late basketball superstar Kobe Bryant. He talks about finding the motivation and willpower to succeed and the importance of a strong mentality.